Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be traumatic and disconcerting, leaving you with a whirlwind of emotions and questions.
Although it may be a challenging moment, it’s vital to remain calm and act in a manner that ensures your safety and legally protects you.
This detailed guide aims to provide you with comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on what to do when the car that hits you flees the scene.
The knowledge shared here is elemental in helping you navigate such unfortunate incidents with confidence, ensuring you are well-equipped with the necessary information to handle this situation effectively and assert your rights.
Table of Contents
Ensure Safety
First and foremost, check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
Of course, you should aim to remove your vehicle away from the road, if possible, so you avoid further damage or even to prevent endangering other participants of the road.
When you are in an unsafe location, call for help and remain in your car until the police arrive.
Gather as much information about the vehicle that hit you including license plate numbers and descriptions of the driver, make, model, and color of the car.
This will be essential for reporting the incident to the authorities. For instance, try to remember the direction the car was heading, whether it had passengers and any distinguishing features such as bumper stickers or car decals.
Furthermore, collect the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident. This can be useful when making an insurance claim or taking legal action.
Contact a Legal Representative
Consult an attorney experienced in hit-and-run cases. They can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.
Now, if you were hit in Myrtle Beach, for instance, hiring a hit and run accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach would be a wise choice to do.
The main reason is that an expert local lawyer knows the state laws and can provide you with legal advice on how to go about addressing your case.
On the other hand, if you were hit in a different place than where you live, make sure to contact a lawyer from that area.
An experienced professional can provide reliable advice and initiate the appropriate legal proceedings on your behalf.
Now, local lawyers may be more familiar with the local legal system, but you can always find a reliable lawyer regardless of where they are located.
Call the Police
Immediately report the hit-and-run accident to the police.
Even if you don’t have much information, a police report will be crucial when dealing with your insurance company.
Provide them with as much detail about the incident as possible, and make sure to get a copy of the police report.
This will be essential when making an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit.
If you’re ever uncertain about what to do, law enforcement officers are trained to assist in such situations and can provide valuable guidance.
Furthermore, your lawyer may be able to recover surveillance footage from nearby cameras that could help in identifying the other driver.
Document the Scene
Take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any injuries.
If there are witnesses, get their contact information and statements.
It’s critical to keep all this information in one place.
Having physical copies and digital files of your evidence will make it easier to present the case to insurance companies or legal authorities.
You should also keep detailed notes about the accident as soon as possible, which will help in making a claim and provide you with an accurate account of events.
Taking photographs, for instance, will help you remember key details such as the vehicle’s license plate.
They would also showcase the damage done, as well as the position of both cars when the accident took place.
Collect Information
Try to recall as much information about the other vehicle as possible, such as make, model, color, or any part of the license plate number.
Don’t forget to write down the time and place of the accident as soon as you can, especially if there is a chance there are security cameras nearby.
Additionally, gather the contact information of any witnesses who saw the incident.
Having their testimonies can be a game-changer when dealing with insurance companies or legal authorities.
Finally, report all relevant details to your insurance company as soon as you can.
You may need to provide proof of damage caused by the hit-and-run accident and evidence that it wasn’t your fault.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Provide them with as much information and evidence as you have collected.
Keep in mind that hit-and-run accidents can improve your chances of making a successful claim, although this will depend on the type of auto insurance you have.
In most cases, hit-and-run victims are eligible to receive reimbursement for car damage or medical expenses.
It’s also essential to check if there are any deadlines you need to meet for filing a claim.
In conclusion, being prepared is the best way to handle a hit-and-run accident.
Be sure to remain calm, take pictures, gather evidence, and call for help.
By following these steps, you’ll have a better chance of getting compensation or taking legal action against the offending driver.
It’s also important to contact an experienced lawyer who can assist you in navigating this process.
With the knowledge shared here, what to do when the car that hit you runs away, you can be confident in protecting your rights and ensuring justice is served.
